Archive for January, 2014

I’m happily married to Katherine and have two rambunctious dogs. We live in Ferndale and are long-time area residents. Although my wife came from a restaurant family I’m the cook at home and we are both pretty happy about that arrangement.

What led you to Cooking Matters?

I love cooking and was looking for the most fulfilling way to spread my enthusiasm in the kitchen. Last year I focused heavily on eating healthier, as well, and was able to lose 50 lbs through changing my diet and focusing mostly on vegetables and simply-cooked meat. I really wanted a way to help others make healthier eating choices and Cooking Matters was a perfect fit.

What ingredients do you use most when you are cooking?

Vegetables! I love roasting whole chickens and lean red meat, but every meal starts around the vegetable we’ll be having. I really like cooking veggies in new ways like roasting broccoli, which brings out an amazing, nutty taste that you just don’t usually get steaming or boiling it.

Do you have any tips for saving money at the grocery store?

Think seasonally and plan ahead. Buying veggies and fruit that are in season are always the tastiest, but typically are the cheapest, too for fresh.

What is your favorite “sometimes” or “special occasion” food?

Ice cream…I stick to the very smallest portion I can buy, and even then I only buy one. If I kept a whole pint in the house it’d be really hard not to have the whole thing if I let myself.

Do you have a recipe that you would like to share?

I was really pleased to see a ratatouille in the coursework for Cooking Matters, but I’d like to think that mine is even better…

Ratatouille

1 large eggplant

2 large zucchini (equal portion to the eggplant)

1 medium spanish/yellow onion

2 red or yellow bell peppers, whichever are fresher at the market

2 cans (28 oz total) diced tomato, drained (recommend San Marzano)

3 cloves fresh garlic

Extra virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Peel eggplant and zucchini and dice into 1/4″ pieces. Dice onion and set aside. Core peppers and dice into slightly larger pieces than zucchini and eggplant.

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil into a non-stick skillet on medium-high until nearly smoking. Add eggplant and roast until brown. Turn only a few times to ensure good carmelization. The eggplant will absorb much of the oil, and slowly start to release as it cooks. Remove eggplant with slotted spoon or spatula and add to dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot.

Roast peppers- keep an eye on them, as they burn easily. Turn down heat if necessary to avoid burning. Remove peppers with slotted spoon to dutch oven or heavy pot.

Add drained tomatoes and raw garlic to dutch oven, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Turn heat on to very low and let simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The bottom veggies will just start to caramelize.

Serve with brown rice, quinoa, toasted whole wheat bread, or alongside meat. Hearty enough to serve on its own but great as a side dish, as well.

USDA Statement

This material was partially funded by the State of Michigan with federal funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by way of the Michigan Nutrition Network at the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This work is supported in part by the Michigan Department of Human Services, under contract number ADMIN-10-99011. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Michigan Fitness Foundation or the Michigan Department of Human Services. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, these institutions are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720- 6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more contact the toll free Michigan Food Assistance Program Hotline at (855) ASK-MICH.
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Credit Statement
This material was partially funded by the State of Michigan with federal funds from the United States Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by way of the Michigan Nutrition Network at the Michigan Fitness Foundation. These institutions are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability. People who need help buying nutritious food for a better diet call the toll free Michigan Food Assistance Program Hotline: (855) ASK-MICH.